MOX-Linde officially opens new RM200M plant in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia

Pasir Gudang, Johor, 31 March 2011 – MOX-Linde Gases Sdn Bhd, a member of The Linde Group, today officially opened its new RM200 million (EUR 47 million) air separation plant (ASU) in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia.

The plant which started operations in November last year, was officially opened by Professor Dr Wolfgang Reitzle, Chief Executive Officer of The Linde Group, in a ceremony held earlier today. Also present at the launch was Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Chairman of MOX-Linde, Mr SY Wong, Managing Director of MOX-Linde, and Members of the Linde Executive Board, Dr Aldo Belloni and Mr Sanjiv Lamba. Mr Lamba is also the Regional Business Unit Head for Linde’s gases business in South & East Asia.

Professor Dr Reitzle said, “This RM200 million plant is Linde’s single largest investment in Malaysia, and demonstrates Linde’s long term commitment to growing its business here. Asia is key in our company’s strategy and we remain prepared to invest further in Asia and Malaysia to meet the growing demand for industrial gases in this region.”

Mr Wong said, “This facility, which is capable of producing over 500 tonnes per day of gases and liquid, is one of the largest ASUs in Malaysia and the largest and only merchant plant strategically located in the south.”

“From this site, MOX-Linde serves the steel and chemical industries in the area, including the world's largest palm-based edible oils and oleo-chemical cluster and also one of the largest petrochemical complexes in Malaysia located in the vicinity. It will also further strengthen MOX-Linde’s leading position as the largest industrial gases company in Malaysia, and complement and strengthen The Linde Group’s business operations in neighboring Singapore,” Mr Wong added.

MOX-Linde operates 55 major plants and installations across the country, and is also executing its plans to set up the country’s biggest carbon dioxide plant with an investment of RM60 million (EUR 14 million) in Kertih, Terengganu to increase on its existing production capability.

Over the past four years, MOX-Linde also brought on stream five new plants with an investment of approximately RM200 million (EUR 47 million). Its Shah Alam plant was commissioned at the end of 2007, and its Penang plant was commissioned the year after in 2008. In 2009, despite the weaker economic conditions at the time, MOX-Linde brought on-stream three major plants in Banting, Kulim and Kuantan.

About MOX-Linde Gases Sdn Bhd:

MOX-Linde Gases Sdn Bhd, a member of The Linde Group, is the leading industrial gas supplier in Malaysia since 1960. MOX-Linde manufactures and distributes industrial, specialty and medical gases, and provides a range of related services including the installation of gas equipment, pipelines and associated engineering services. In addition, MOX-Linde also offers packaged chemicals and welding products.

The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 48,500 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2010 financial year it achieved sales of EUR 12.9 bn. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards sustainable earnings-based growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. Linde is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.